Drummer Raja Azreen died after collapsing onstage in the middle of a live performance, leaving fans and fellow band members stunned.
Azreen, best known as the longtime drummer for Malaysian rock group Meditasi, was 56.
The band was performing at the Teruntum rock festival in Kuantan, Pahang, on July 18 when the shocking incident unfolded during only the second song of the set.
According to reports, Azreen suddenly slumped forward and collapsed into his drum kit while the band was still playing.
Meditasi frontman Bakaruddin Daud said he immediately realized something was wrong and rushed over to help.
Azreen was quickly taken backstage, but Daud said the drummer was already “cold to the touch.”
The sudden death was especially shocking because Azreen had reportedly appeared to be doing well in the days leading up to the show.
Daud said the musician had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, but there had been no obvious sign that he was in serious distress.
He said Azreen “looked and sounded great during rehearsals.”
Meditasi has been a fixture in Malaysia’s rock scene for more than four decades.
The group was formed in 1984 under the name Metal Wizard before later rebranding itself as Meditasi as its sound shifted away from heavy metal and toward a more melodic style of rock.
The band gained popularity during the 1990s and released several albums during that period.
Its self-titled debut arrived in 1990, followed by Bidadari in 1991, Realisma in 1992 and Demi Rindu in 1995.
Meditasi became known for songs including “Biar Pedih Kasih Memanjang,” “Bidadari,” “Hukuman Pada Pesona” and “Demi Rindu Kita.”
Azreen joined the group around the time of its debut album, replacing drummer Atan, and went on to become a familiar presence behind the kit.
His death brought an abrupt and heartbreaking end to what had started as another live performance for the veteran band.
Despite losing one of its longtime members, Meditasi reportedly plans to continue performing.
For fans, however, the image of Azreen collapsing behind his drums during one of his final songs has turned what should have been a night of live music into a devastating memory.r collapses and dies onstage two songs into show. Here’s
Rather makes an encore a bit bothersome.
Gives new meaning to “Giving his all for his craft !”